Introducing the creative mind behind PENTABLOCK™

At House of Home we love discovering the lastest and most innovative products in building technology - products that not only look exquisite but save you time and money.

PENTABLOCK™ is a revolutionary product that is certainly no exception. For those building, refurbishing or just looking into upgrading your outdoor area, this is one product you can't afford to not know about.

PENTABLOCK™ can be used for high strength retaining walls, common dividing walls and boundary walls, fences and columns, swimming pool construction, steps and stairs, interior feature walls, fire places, D.I.Y garden edging, water features and letter boxes - the list is almost endless!

This patented, innovative system is the output of years of research and design work to create a revolutionary dry stack structural walling system that has many advantages over traditional block work, other dry stack products, tilt panels and other walling systems.

PENTABLOCK™ will soon take over from the traditional construction methods as it’s quicker, stronger and looks amazing! The vertical dry stack walling system allows units to be stacked together in a simple, single step process, without the use of mortar, meaning the construction process is significantly faster.

With over 15 natural stone finish options to choose from, this handcrafted product is beautifully made with a look that is timelss and will also stand the test of time in terms of durability and longevity.

We sat down with Joel Norford from Pentablock™ to further discuss how his company has completely pushed the boundaries of vertical wall construction.

How did you get into the business?

I have been a landscaper and stone mason for over 20 years and in that time I have seen and worked with a vast amount of different products and used them in various applications.

I recognised a need in the market for a product that would not only save money for my client’s, but would stand the test of time structurally and also create a look that was going to be timeless.

These blocks feature a patented design with a simple rebate joint and mortarless quick and easy construction process. Pentablock now gives access to handcrafted stone walling at a fraction of the cost

What can we expect when we come in store?

We pride ourselves on service and expertise, our background knowledge in the industry means we are problem solvers and can assist with any job whether it be a large commercial venture or a small DIY project.

There are 6 types of stone blocks and 3 colours of capping in our range, plus 12 more custom colours that can be manufactured to order. Pentablock capping come in various sizes.

Family values are critical to customer service and we ensure that flows through in our business acumen. As there is a lot to consider, the only thing our clients need to consider is the colour and we take of all of the technical details.

Tell us about your favourite products at the moment?

Without a doubt my favourite right now is FINK, this product excites me so much I want to do my own house completely in it. The tones that come through are a great representation of the Australian landscape and being thousands of years old this stone is a timeless representation of this ancient land.

PENTABLOCK™ will soon take over from the conventional construction methods as its quicker, stronger and looks amazing!

Puzzle Stack is my other favourite that has just been developed as the feedback from many architects have wanted something they can use in a dramatic sense internally. The application of this brilliant finish creates a mood that implies class and creates a unique internal backdrop for any room.

What makes your store special?

There is nothing else like it on the market, when customers arrive they see the stone for the first time they are mesmerized by the colors and the connection to the natural finish. This is not a machined manufactured product, all our products are completely handmade by stone masons and when people see this for the first time they are WOWED.

Dry stack system, rapid construction, build time up to 75% faster than conventional methods, up to 4 hour fire rating and cyclone rated.

PENTABLOCK™ also provides an installation service with all contractors being trained in landscape construction so the service and solutions reached are detailed with cost savings that the customer all like to know before they enter into a project.

What’s your favourite question from a customer?

How long will it take to construct? The reply I give generally floors them every time, as the speed we can construct and have a finished product is completely unfathomable compared to anything else on the market.

The cost savings are amazing and the finished result can be seen in just days. The unique interlocking design, significantly reduces the mess on site, it comes in many colours and stone options, no tanking or waterproofing is required in some applications and its 25% stronger than traditional masonry construction.

Living in a society where everyone wants everything NOW, PENTABLOCK™ can deliver that exact result.

What’s your favourite part of the work day?

After the job is done and the result is staring right back at you and client is speechless looking over the result and saying it is better than they could have ever imagined. It reminds me how the innovative patented system which is the result of years of research and design to create a revolutionary Dry Stack walling system.

The PENTABLOCK™ system has many advantages over conventional block work, and other Dry Stack products, tilt panels and other walling systems. My idea has come true!

Who would you love to serve instore?

Richard Branson, I would love to get his next big project which possibly could be a space station on the Moon. Imagine Pentablock up there on the Moon!

What inspires you?

My family, they have taken the sacrifices of me not being home as much as I want to be, but waking up having time with them reminds me every day how lucky I am living in an amazing part of the world surrounded by nature, outdoors and experiencing the 4 seasons of the year.

Are you regularly updating your own home with products from the store?

Yes I just built some beautiful stone pillars for my new fencing and they look great however, I decided recently to pull them down as the new FINK range arrived, my neighbours must think I am nuts as I just completely changed the look over night!

One of the biggest advantages of the PENTABLOCK™ system is the productivity gains that are delivered in the construction time, PENTABLOCK™ is the new way to construct.

I am also re modelling my garage where I am looking at adding a feature wall internally in my garage so when I drive in, there will be a dramatic wall of PUZZLE basalt highlighted with soft lighting as I arrive home from work. I can’t wait to see that, not sure if anyone has ever done a feature wall inside a garage before!